All eyes turned to President Trump earlier today as he arrived in the UK for his second state visit.
But his very first interaction with the Princess of Wales—who greeted him and his wife Melania after they landed by helicopter at Windsor Castle—didn’t exactly go smoothly.
Observers have since accused the former president of breaking key royal protocol.
Meeting the Royals
Trump and Melania were welcomed by Kate and Prince William before being introduced to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The six were later seen chatting before boarding a royal carriage, escorted by the military through the gardens to the main residence.
Yet, it wasn’t the carriage ride that caught the internet’s attention. Instead, a clip of Trump’s initial handshake with Kate quickly became the subject of online debate.
The Handshake That Sparked Criticism
In the video, Trump initiates the greeting, pulling Kate slightly toward him—a move many viewed as breaking traditional royal etiquette, whether deliberate or not.
One Twitter user wrote: “Poor Princess Catherine. Her distance says it all. Looks like he’s gripping her hand rather tight.”
Another joked about the awkward moment: “Did he pull the princess into that handshake? LoL! Let’s take Britain. They need our help. Might as well be the 51st instead of Canada.”
Warnings from a Royal Insider
Before the visit, royal commentator Grant Harrold, formerly King Charles’ butler, had predicted such a scenario. Speaking to Tyla, he explained:
“This is going to be a really interesting one with Trump. The member of the Royal Family should instigate the handshake. The King or the Queen should be the first to put their hand out. But I can guarantee that won’t happen with Trump, as we know he loves a handshake. It’s just one-handed, don’t grab them or pull them in for a bear hug.”
Offering further advice, he added: “Don’t overpower them, it’s meant to be mutual respect. It should only go on for a couple of seconds, and there should be good eye contact. I can guarantee this goes wrong with Trump.”
🚨 NOW: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have been greeted by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales
pic.twitter.com/omQ1XS7LYR— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 17, 2025
Walking Ahead of the King
The handshake wasn’t the only breach of etiquette making headlines. Minutes later, social media users noticed Trump striding several steps in front of King Charles as they toured the palace grounds, leaving the monarch appearing visibly irritated.
“Donald Trump leading the British army and walking in front of the king says it all,” one Twitter user remarked, referencing his past breach of protocol with Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
Another quipped: “Trump leads. Charles submits.”